Welding Helmets To Auto Darken or Not?

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

Today my very first welder arrived off the back of the courier truck. It is a multi-function MIG - TIG or MMA. The kit comes standard as a MIG. If you want the other functions you have to by their TIG or MMA kit.

I learnt how to stick weld and oxy-weld when I went to Agricultural College and undertook the "Farm Machinery" course. That was three decades ago and it is probably the last time I stick welded.

So - this comes down to the what type of "welding helmet" question. An old fashioned permanently tinted lens or the more modern Auto Darkening type?

What are the pros and cons of each type?
If you have used the Auto Darkening ones would you go back to the other type?

Kind regards
Lionel